World Cup 2006 - Groups

[MCdread]

Yep, that's the one.

I didn't know he was playing for Flamengo. If he's a reservist for Paraguay that can only mean good news for the NT, because he's kinda average. Unless he has developped into a class player in Brazil in the past season or so.

 

[FredLC]

Actually, it's more like Flamengo having only crap fowards in the last year, and Ramirez entering the team, playing with a heart, socring a few very important goals and hence conquering the heart of the Flamengo supporters through and through.

He did display technique and a great sense of opportunity, but IMHO he is still a question mark as to wheter he jas what it takes to be a forward in Brazil. Next year will be his opportunity to play in a whole new level.

Regards .

 

[willemvanoranje]

well.. Flamengo in total hasn't been that well last season now, have they? it's only thanks to that they did get unnaturally much help from the 'neutral' party in the football world that they maintain in the serie A...

 

[luiz]

I didn't know he was playing for Flamengo. If he's a reservist for Paraguay that can only mean good news for the NT, because he's kinda average. Unless he has developped into a class player in Brazil in the past season or so.

I was mostly joking... he is a decent player, but is not world-class. Maybe in a few years.

 

[luiz]

well.. Flamengo in total hasn't been that well last season now, have they? it's only thanks to that they did get unnaturally much help from the 'neutral' party in the football world that they maintain in the serie A...

Flamengo performed quite decently in the final stages of the Brasileiro. We didn't lose a single match under Joel Santana, and we almost managed to classify ourselves to the Sul Americana, what would be quite an accomplishment considering that we spent most of the championship running from série B.

 

[MCdread]

I was mostly joking... he is a decent player, but is not world-class. Maybe in a few years.

I wish you good luck on that. But there ain't many years left, he must be almost 30.

 

[willemvanoranje]

Flamengo performed quite decently in the final stages of the Brasileiro. We didn't lose a single match under Joel Santana, and we almost managed to classify ourselves to the Sul Americana, what would be quite an accomplishment considering that we spent most of the championship running from série B.

After getting a helping hand from people that should be neutral...

 

[FredLC]

Come'on now, there was not one game in which Flamengo was blatantly benefited... contrary to, say, Corinthians. In fact, I recall thinking it had quite a few rough deals from the referees in the early tournament.

Anyway, we are drifting kinda off-topic here...

 

[Comraddict]

Well it is good to have group C.. makes first round more interesting. I think that Argentina hardly can blew it despite all competition.

 

[Gr3yL3gion]

One of my country commentators says that France might not make it to the second round in while Switzerland and Korea make it.

What's your guy's view on it? The reason that he gave that France even need to invite some of the old guards(Zidane and co.) to help them qualify to the finals.

Given that France last WC record, the possibility is there though.

 

[willemvanoranje]

I don't think we'll see another '2002'.. maybe from the side of France, because they are weaker than 4 years ago, but in general I think those countries that did bad against expectations last world cup, really want to make up.. besides that, in some countries (like Holland) there has been a big change in players (and type of players). I do not fear for a lack of motivation from the players that are in the Dutch team now: energetic young players that are about to leave or just got out of our small national league, combined with years of experience from players like Van der Sar and Van Nistelrooy.

 

[mitsho]

@Gr3yL3gion I won't think so, and remember, no Swiss (journalist) said something alike and we already experienced France in the qualifications. Don't underestimate them! They did bad at first when they had their home matches against Ireland, Israel and Switzerland, where they only made 3 draws. But then, they called the old ones back, and wonder, they beat Ireland in Dublin easily. Ok, they as well only got draws against CH and Israel, but that was at least not in Paris...
Still, don't underestimate France. Btw. many French did say (Am I correct?) that as the Swiss team did better and better agains them, that there finally has to be the time when we finally win... hopefully, it's in next June.

mitsho

 

[Gr3yL3gion]

@willemvanoranje and mitsho
I hope so, since some of top teams get eliminated in group phase in WC 2002(Argentina, France, and Portugal).

 

[azzaman333]

I want to see Australia do well. more sport interest can only be a good thing.

 

[Civ Lifer]

The USA is in arguable the toughest group and i was hoping we would be in an easy group like germany's